Stronglight49@aol.com wrote:
> Stupid questions:
>
> 1.) Noticed something in the photos of the Della Santa frameset
> which brought to mind something which I never understood.
> Is there a reason for using horizontal dropouts on a modern
> road bike frame built for use of a rear derailleur?
Versatilty, and if you break a spoke you can move the wheel so it
doesn't rub the frame
> 2.) What was the TRUE reason for use of long (or even shorter)
> horizontal dropouts throughout the On Topic period?
>
I think verticals took over when the craze for really short bikes started. I've got a 74 Shimano catalogue where verticals are called touring ends, horizontals are road -- mvg
Marten Gerritsen
Kiel Windeweer
Netherlands